This Morning’s Worship Scripture Reading: Eph. 5:22-33 #
Making Marriage Work Genesis 2
Marriage Is Work Work Is Not A Bad Thing Gen. 2:15 Every Relationship Demands Work Prov. 17:17; 18:24; 27:6, 17
Proverbs 17:17 - “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” 18:24 - “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” 27:6 - “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” 27:17 - “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Marriage Is Work Work Is Not A Bad Thing Gen. 2:15 Every Relationship Demands Work Prov. 17:17; 18:24; 27:6, 17 Approach Marriage With A Mind to Work Ecc. 9:10; Prov. 18:22 Appreciate joys, privileges, blessings Gen. 2; Prov. 31; Eph. 5
Problems In Marriage 3 Problems: Money, Children, Sexual Essentially Sin Problems Curses - Gen. 3:16-19; Deut. 30:1-10 Gender roles are confused (1 Tim. 2:11-15; 1 Cor. 11:3, 11) Desire will be “for” or “against” her husband (Gen. 3:16) The curses from sin help us turn back to God
Solving Marriage Problems If Sin Is the Problem, Solution Is Obvious! Fix sin --> fix problems! Appreciate ultimate aim of the gospel: restoration Col. 3:9-24; Eph. 4:21-28; 2 Pet. 1:5-9 Ideal men + Ideal women = Ideal marriage Be godly toward one another!
If Sin Is the Problem, Solution Is Obvious Apply Fundamental Qualities of Discipleship Commitment to Christ guarantees success Be loyal - Matt. 16:24; 19:6 Be godly - Eph. 5:22-33; 1 Pet. 3:1-8 Be loving - Matt. 5:43-48; 22:39